Jun

22

The spread of software into just about everything (combined with miniaturization of the hardware on which that software runs) is a major change in how the built world works, and how we interact with that world.

Quantum computing, if it comes to pass, will have a big impact (e.g., everything that's currently secret via cryptography would come out into the open).

Semi-related is blockchain: it's essentially an immutable, fully transparent version of double-entry bookkeeping (another major change from the 1300s), but applying to all data, not just finance. This will upend practices like auditing.

Retail stores have existed for centuries, but they might be going away for most goods - that seems significant.

The relentless advance of automation will change the nature of many jobs, or eliminate them entirely.

As video games and the like become ever more realistic, some people seem to be giving up on work entirely.